Purrfect day to find a new four-legged friend

Cat lovers had a purrfect afternoon whilst helping to raise £1,369 for the Bluebell Ridge Cat Rehoming Centre at the first of their annual Open Day’s last Sunday (May 24).

Bluebell Ridge, Chown’s Hill, Hastings, welcomed a record number of visitors to the event which gave the public the opportunity to visit cats that were looking for a home, along with the chance to purchase bargains from a variety of stalls, including jewellery, gifts, home made treats and a tombola.

Myra Grove, Cattery Manager for Bluebell Ridge, said the centre had numerous enquiries and reserves taken on cats looking to be re-homed with a total of eight possibly being found new homes, adding: “This is a truly fantastic amount and I am overwhelmed by how many people came to support the open day.”

Myra said there’s one special cat that’s still looking for a loving family. “Poppy is our longest resident and she has been in our care for over six months.

“Poppy is a white short haired female. She is eight years old and craves attention, constantly enjoying a fuss. She loves to sit on the shelf in her pod so that she can see all that is going on and she also enjoys basking in the sunshine. Poppy will make a lovely companion but would need to be the only cat in the home.”

Bluebell Ridge is owned and operated by the Sussex East and Hastings branch of the RSPCA. It is a separate charity within the national body and is entirely self-financing. Each year the branch has to raise more than £150,000 to keep the cattery open.

The Bluebell Ridge holds three open days throughout the year and the next one will be held on Sunday July 26.

Myra said then amount raised last Sunday was a great start to their Open Days, adding: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who came along and made the day a great success.”

If you would like to give a home to Poppy or any other residents at Bluebell Ridge call 01424 752121 or visit the rehoming centre at Chowns Hill, which is open 11.30am to 3pm every day except Thursday.

You can also view all the cats in need of a home at: www.bluebellridge.org.uk.